Treatment for Bed Bug Infestations

How to find a treatment for bed bugs

In South Florida bed bugs are getting a lot of attention as residents face the challenge presented by emerging infestations of homes, apartments, condos, hotels and motels in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade County.

Local Pest Control companies can answer the following questions:

• What are Bed Bugs?
• What are the symptoms of a bed bug infestation?
• What does a bed bug bite look like?
• Do bed bug bites transmit disease?
• What is the best treatment for bed bug bites?
• How can I get rid of bed bugs?
• Can infestations be prevented in the future?

Bed Bugs: Appearance and Behavior

They are small, oval-shaped and approximately 3/16" long. They range in color from light redish-brown to dark brown. Bed bugs feed during the night by sucking blood from sleeping humans. They keep hidden during the day. When disturbed, they can quickly scamper across the floor to safety in a crack, crevise, electrical outlet, or other out of the way hiding place.

Bed Bug Symptoms

Most people become aware that they have a bed bug infestation after noticing a small, itchy welt or red spot on their skin. Other signs of infestation include:

• small bloody smudges on bedsheets caused by blood engourged bed bugs being inadvertently squashed
• dark streaks of insect excrement on sides of a mattress or box springs
• light colored molted insect skins and eggs

Bed Bug Bites

A bite will appear on the skin as a minor swelling with a small red center. It will probably cause some itching. Secondary infection should be avoided by resisting the temptation to scratch the bite.

Risk of Disease Transmission

While it is unpleasant to think of a bed bug sucking on your blood, it is unlikely any diseases will be transmitted as a result of being bitten.

Treatment for Bed Bug Bites

Unless you have a bite that has become infected from scratching, little need be done. If the itching becomes excessive, you can request a topical skin ointment from the pharmacy.

Get Rid of Bed Bugs

Pest Control and extermination services have developed proprietary chemical compounds that will exterminate beg bugs. Subjecting the insects to temperatures above 120 degrees fahrenheit or below freezing will kill them. If you have a portable steam machine you can use it to kill any bed bugs which may be hiding in the seams of your mattress or box springs.

Prevent Future Bed Bug Infestations

It is very difficult to avoid a bed bug infestation. The little insects are know to travel up to 100 feet, so they can easily enter your home from a neighboring home, or apartment, or condominium. They don't like to move around much during the day - and they are difficult to see at night. Keep a sharp eye out for the tell-tale symptoms of bed bug infestation and you will have the best chance of spotting any re-appearance of these creepy little insects.